Health

To achieve success in developing integrated care networks, the nurse executive must have clarity of goal and purpose, create a shared vision and a common set of assumptions, develop effective teams, and think in terms of the overall system. Three principles offer guidance: the whole is more important than its parts, building relationships is key, and good communications can resolve conflicts. Finally, nurse executives must consider the financial performance of each component in relationship to the whole system.

The role of the nurse executive: in the corporatization of health care

Article Abstract:

The role of the nurse executive is changing under the corporatization of health care. The nurse executive's key objective should be representing the interests of patient care at the corporate level. Various aspects of this role could include internal consultant, patient and caregiver advocate, special projects manager, spokesperson, evaluator, and liaison between organizations. Success requires flexible thinking, rapid learning of new skills, political astuteness, and leadership ability.

Integrating care delivery

Article Abstract:

Integration is the key to maintaining focus on caring for patients in a rapidly changing health care environment. Maintaining this focus means resisting the forces that compartmentalize and fragment care. To do this requires that nurse managers integrate their own minds, bodies and spirits into a unified whole, build relationships with patients and colleagues, and help create an organization that unites technology and science with compassionate patient care.